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Softball greats headline 2012 class
This is the first of five stories featuring each of the six inductees to this year’s Hall of Fame
By Kevin Freiheit
On September 26, 2012
Two Buffalo State softball icons are among six honorees that will be inducted into the Buffalo
State Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 27.
The late Sandra Hollander, who coached the Bengals' softball team for 24 seasons, will be
inducted posthumously, along with former second baseman Laurie Hutten.
Hutten played softball from 2004-07 and was named to the All-SUNYAC team in each of her
final three seasons with the Bengals. She has also earned a place in the Buffalo State record
book, ranking third all-time in hits (207) and stolen bases (50).
She was a team captain for three seasons and said she never expected to be inducted because of
her team-first approach.
"I looked at it as a team sport," Hutten said. "I feel honored that people considered me worthy
enough to receive this honor."
Former outfielder Katie Melsert was a teammate of Hutten's and played under Hollander.
"[Laurie] lived for the game and made being on the team that much more fun," Melsert said.
"I'm lucky to have had the chance to not only know her, but also play on the same team. I'm so
proud of her."
Assistant coach Pam Amabile has been on the Buffalo State staff since 1987 and had the
opportunity to get to know both Hollander and Hutten.
"[Hutten] was one of the most talented athletes we've had," Amabile said. "She had such a
great overall game and she could do it all. She could be counted on to come through in clutch
situations."
Hutten wasn't the only one that was able to come through when it counted.
"[Hollander] was always very poised under pressure," Amabile said. "She never got flustered.
The bigger the moment, the better she handled it. She didn't let the moment get to her. She
buckled down and got it done."
Hollander was the face of Buffalo State softball and was widely known. She passed away in
April following a six-year battle with cancer.
"Her illustrious career demanded respect and her willingness to fight for her players made her a
force to be reckoned with," Melsert said. "She coached for 24 years and never lost her passion
for the sport or her players."
Amabile said that not only was Hollander respected by her players, but by opposing teams and
umpires as well.
"Everyone had tremendous respect for her," Amabile said. "She left such a legacy. People will
never forget her."
Hollander collected 562 wins during her time at Buffalo State, as well as three SUNYAC
Championships.
"She was critical to make you a better player, but it was not personal," Amabile said. "She made
them better players. Hutten was a good example of that."
During nearly two and a half decades of coaching, Hollander became close with most, if not all
of her players, including Hutten. Hutten said she had built a close relationship with Hollander
over the years, and considered her to be part of her family.
"Coach Hollander was like my second mother," Hutten said. "I think she really got to know you.
You could speak to her about anything. The players were her own and she made it seem like a
family."
It wasn't just Hutten that Hollander had such a positive impact on. Many of the athletes she
coached over the years were heavily influenced by Hollander's approach to coaching.
"I really didn't have one girl on my team that didn't look up to her," Hutten said. "You didn't
just learn about softball, you learned about life."
Hollander's dedication to the team was evident after she continued to coach while battling
cancer.
"No one was more passionate than her," Amabile said. "She just lived it."
Hollander touched the lives of hundreds of Buffalo State student-athletes. Hutten said she was
fortunate to have been coached by her.
"I'm lucky to have played under her as a part of the Buffalo State team and I wouldn't have
wanted it any other way," Hutten said.
The ceremony will commence at 5:30 p.m. in the Sports Arena. Tickets must be purchased in
advance and can be obtained by calling (716) 878-6514.
Kevin Freiheit can be reached by email at freiheit.record@live.com.
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